Largest yacht ever built in the U.S. launched

Derecktor Shipyards in Bridgeport, Conn., on Sunday launched the 281-foot megayacht, Cakewalk, the largest yacht (by volume) ever built in the United States.

When the six-deck, 2,998-gross-ton vessel floated off Derecktor's 4,000 ton dry dock into the waters of Bridgeport Harbor, it was the culmination of an effort never before seen in American yacht building.

"Needless to say, as with any project of this scale and sophistication, there were some growing pains along the way, but we think the result speaks for herself," said an obviously pleased Paul Derecktor, president of the Derecktor group of shipyards. "For the first time, an American yard has shown it can equal or better the work of the best European yards."